AUKUS Navy Chiefs Forge Stronger Alliances in Historic Tri-Lateral Visit to HMAS Stirling

The Chiefs of Navy for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States bolstered their naval alliances today with a visit to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. This landmark visit precedes the Indian Ocean Defence and Security 2024 Conference in Perth.

Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond AO, RAN, hosted U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, and U.K. First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Adm. Ben Key KCB CBE ADC. It’s the first time Franchetti and Key have toured HMAS Stirling, a pivotal base for Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

During their visit, the naval chiefs toured the base and met with Australian submariners on a Collins-class submarine. They signed a Statement of Intent for Lethality, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing the lethality of their combat fleets.

The showcase of the Royal Australian Navy’s autonomous systems highlighted contemporary defense capabilities. Hammond stressed the importance of the partnership between the three navies, focusing on shared values and a collective commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

“Our commitment to shared values and behaviors enhances regional security,” Hammond stated. “Our collaboration through personnel exchanges and operational interoperability exemplifies our dedication to shared success.”

Adm. Franchetti underscored the significance of AUKUS. “AUKUS offers a rare chance to unify the capabilities of our nations, advancing innovation and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” she noted, emphasizing the upliftment of industrial bases and maintaining the rules-based international order.

Adm. Key highlighted the depth of trust and cooperation within AUKUS. “AUKUS empowers us to accelerate the development of advanced defense capabilities collaboratively. This cooperation will shape our partnership for decades,” he said, noting the integration of RAN personnel into the Royal Navy’s nuclear programs.